The Packers overcame several injuries, and a horrific showing by the defense to put away the Detroit Lions 37-31. The Packer defense is reeling after this game, losing Vonnie Holliday, Nate Wayne, and Antuan Edwards to injury. Wayne’s injury doesn’t look like it will threaten his status for next week, but Holliday and Edwards could see some time on injured reserve. Holliday might require surgery for a torn pectoral muscle, which could keep him out 8 weeks, maybe even the remainder of the season. Edwards fractured his forearm and may need to have surgery to have a plate inserted. The Packers also had some injuries on offense, with Javon Walker, William Henderson, Rondell Mealey, Terry Glenn, Marco Rivera, David Martin, and Najeh Davenport all missing part of the game. The only serious injury is Henderson, who sprained his MCL.
The Lions got on the board first with a little trickery on a punt return, running a reverse to A-Zahir Hakim who took it 72 yards for the 7-0 lead. The Packer coverage units are playing terrible, and the coaches need to take a long look at how they’re going to fix the problem.
After another stalled offensive drive, the Packers defense came up with a big turnover. Lions quarterback Joey Harrington had his pass deflected by Steve Warren, and rookie safety Marques Anderson picked it off, returning it 78 yards to make it 7-7.
The defense forced the Lions to punt on the next series, giving the ball back to the Packers at their own 18-yard line. Brett Favre finally got things going, as he moved the offense 82 yards on 10 plays, finishing the drive with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver. Favre was blitzed on the play, but had enough time to get it to a wide-open Driver to make it 14-7.
After exchanging field goals Lions took over on their own 36-yard line. First, James Stewart ran right by a blitzing Darren Sharper to gain 16 yards. Then on 3rd and 1, Lamont Warren went right by Antuan Edwards to catch Harrington’s pass for a 39-yard score to make it 17-17.
The Packers started the second half going 72 yards on 12 plays, ending with an 8-yard touchdown reception by 2nd year man Robert Ferguson. The offense had good balance on this drive, with Najeh Davenport banging up the middle for some tough yards on the ground.
Mike McKenzie made a spectacular interception to give the ball back to the Packers on the Lions 41. On 3rd and 9 from the 40, Favre dropped back and found Ferguson, who juked two defenders to gain 37 yards to take it to the 3. Then Favre hit Bubba Franks for the 3-yard touchdown to make it 31-17.
After the Packers made a field goal to make it 34-17, the Lions returned the kickoff 50 yards to give themselves great field position at the Packers 45-yard line. It took just four plays before Lion fullback Corey Schlesinger took it in from 1 yard out to make it a 34-24 game.
The Packers offense stalled again, and the Lions took over at their own 5-yard line and drove 95 yards to score a touchdown to make it 34-31. The Lions used only 2:02 on the clock, going 8 plays, ending in a James Stewart 52-yard touchdown reception. The Packers had a ton of missed tackles on this play, and those offenders will get an earful when they watch the film.
The Packers added a field goal to make it 37-31, before finally holding on for the victory.
This game was not pretty, but the Packers managed to finish off the Lions despite going without franchise running back Ahman Green. But the Packers are a battered team who faces the 3-0 Carolina Panthers next week. Will this team be able to overcome injuries, and improve their porous defense? Stay tuned!!
This merchandising site sponsored by
Interactive Data. All
orders will be provided with a money back guarantee. If you
are not completely satisfied, return your purchase within 30 days
of purchase for a full refund (Shipping Excluded). If you have any questions
or comments, regarding this www site, please send them to
sales@idata.com.
PackerTime Green Bay Packers Merchandise
